As Judge Edward Grant sentenced Meagan Degner on Friday, he lamented that he was unable to change a "life sentence" of fear, anxiety and counseling for two children assaulted by the Eaton Rapids woman and her ex-husband.

Degner, 37, was sentenced to five to 10 years in prison for her role in the abuse, which included strapping the children to their beds, beating them with a leather belt and depriving them of food.

"These children are going to suffer this forever," Grant said. "This may very well be a life sentence for these children and you're part and parcel responsible for what took place. What happened to these children is absolutely unforgivable."

Her ex-husband, Shawnn Degner, 40, of Potterville, is expected to be sentenced next week for his role in the abuse, which prosecutors say also involved sexual abuse.

Grant, a visiting judge, said it was important to separate the cases, but that both defendants played central roles in the abuse of the children.

"Clearly you knew what Mr. Degner was doing," Grant said. "You knew what was going on. You were part of it."

Assistant Eaton County Prosecutor Adrianne VanLangevelde said the boy at one point recanted his story out of fear retribution.

"I think it was clear from the testimony that it was both Shawnn and Megan Degner who were equal participants and that they were creating an environment of fear and anxiety so these children wouldn't disclose what was going on in the home," VanLangevelde said.

The memory of that environment is something the children, ages 13 and 15, will live with the rest of their lives, she said.

Meagan Degner had earlier argued that she played a far lesser role in the abuse. She answered Grant's procedural questions, but declined to make a statement. She looked sullen as she sat through her hearing.

Her attorney, Steven Freeman, said there was no evidence of his client physically holding the belt during the abuse. She was convicted of two counts of second-degree child abuse. Freeman said she divorced Shawnn Degner because of the abuse.

The victim statement "doesn't say who was holding the belt," Freeman said.

The children are wards of the state and in residential treatment programs.

Shawnn Degner pleaded guilty on Jan. 16 to two felony counts of second-degree child abuse and one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. His sentencing was adjourned to next Thursday to allow him more time to decide whether to withdraw a guilty plea to two counts of second-degree child abuse and one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Judge Janice Cunningham rejected an earlier agreement for a minimum 43-month sentence after graphic testimony from the children in Meagan Degner's trial.

Shawnn Degner can withdraw his plea and go to trial because he faces a minimum sentence greater than the original agreement.

He faces a maximum 10 year sentence. He is free on a $50,000 cash surety bond and has a GPS tether.